31 Great Rhyming Books

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The rhyming books in this post are perfect for your emergent reader, and you will love them too!

Rhyming skills are so important for new readers. Children need to be able to understand the concept of rhyming when developing their phonological awareness skills.

This concept of rhyming can be a difficult one to learn at first. Children often have more trouble hearing sounds at the ends of words. These rhyming books will help your child become familiar with rhyming which is an essential pre-reading skill.

And, if you are looking for more reading readiness tips and books, head over to my articles about reading readiness.

*Rhyming Books Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.

The Best Rhyming Books for Preschool

giraffes cant dance

Author: Giles Andreae

Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees

Year: 1999

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 1 – 5

Gerald is a giraffe who wants to dance but things that is can’t. Thanks to a friend who encourages him, Gerald finds a way to embrace his differences.

I absolutely love this book about following your heart and being true to yourself. The bonus of rhyming makes this book that much more special. This is one of the children’s books about being different that I was happy to read over and over.

Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Books for 2-Year-Olds / Rhyming Books

goodnight goodnight construction site

Author: Sherry Dusky Rinker

Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld

Year: 2011

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 2 – 7

More info: Part of the Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site series

Little kids love construction vehicles. The giant, funky looking machinery never fails to capture their attention. So obviously, there isn’t a better way to start bedtime than with a rhyming construction book about the giants machines going to bed after a long day at work.

I’ve read this so many times I can still hear myself whisper-reading “Down on the big construction site, the tough trucks work with all their might…” This is one of my favorite books series to gift to new parents! It’s a modern classic.

Find this book in: Bedtime Stories / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Rhyming Books

But Not the Hippo

Author: Sandra Boynton

Illustrator: Boynton

Year: 1982

Genre: Board Book

Age: 1 – 4

Animals are all playing together- cavorting in a bog, drinking juice etc. and the hippo is not joining them.

I loved reading this with my kids. It is utterly ridiculous and completely wonderful. One of my oldest son’s first words was “armadillo!” It is a perfect classic children’s book.

Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Books for a 1-year-old / Rhyming Books / Classic Books for Kids

chicka chicka

Author: Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault

Illustrator: Lois Ehlert

Year: 1989

Genre: Board Book

Age: 1 – 4

More info: Chicka Chika #1

Rhyming? check. Letters? check. This classic book checks so many boxes with the added bonus that it is fun to read with your kids. Even the name itself is a perfect example of alliteration in books.

If you have not picked up yet, it is a must-read for any preschool child and a perfect book to help with reading readiness as well.

Find this book in: Alphabet Books / Rhyming Books / Books for a 1-year-old / Alliteration Books / Classic Books for Kids

Llama Llama Red Pajama and more llama llama books in the Anna Dewdney collection.

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

As the original book in the Lama Llama series, Llama Llama Red Pajama has a special place in our hearts. It’s the story that introduced us to our pal and his amazing Mama Llama.

In this one, Llama Llama is having trouble falling asleep – something every child can relate to, but his behavior has Mama maintaining a firm but loving routine to help Llama.

Why I Like This Book: Every child has trouble with bedtime at some point. This sweet book helps kids realize they are not alone.
Appropriate for Ages 1-3
Find This Book In: Bedtime Books for Kids / Best Animal Books for Kids

Bear Wants more

Author: Karma Wilson

Illustrator: Jane Chapman

Year: 2003

Genre: Board Books

Age: 1 – 4

More info: Part of the Bear Books series

After waking up from his winter hibernation, he is so hungry! Eager to help him after his long sleep, his friends help him gather things to eat.

There are so many things about this book that I adore. Bear’s friends are so wonderful and supportive of him and he is so sweet and gentle. This book also has wonderful vocabulary words for little ears.

Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Rhyming Books

Great Kindergarten Rhyming Books

room on the broom

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

Year: 2003

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 2 – 8

A friendly witch takes to the night on her broomstick, but as the wind blows away her hat, her bow, and her wand, she finds some cute friends to join her on her ride. Will her friends be able to save her from a hungry dragon? This classic Halloween book for kids is now a cartoon movie!

This is a year-round book in my house. The sweet tale by Donaldson and the fun illustrations by Scheffler will have this on your favorites list long after Halloween is over!

The wonderful rhymes in this book tell the story of friendship and inclusivity. This is one of my favorite books to promote reading readiness.

Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Halloween Picture Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Rhyming Books / Dragon Books for Kids / Best Books for 2-year-olds

the circus ship

Author: Chris Van Dusen

Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen

Year: 2009

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 2 – 5

As a circus ship is headed toward Maine, it encounters a storm and begins to sink. The animals who are left to fend for themselves make it to safety and become part of the town. When the horrible owner of the circus comes looking for the animals, he encounters a surprise.

This book about a sunken circus ship is not only funny, but it is heartwarming as well. Chris Van Dusen is a master of rhyme. The rhyming scheme in this book is fantastic which only adds to the delight of this animal book.

Find this book in: Animal Book for Kids / Rhyming Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds

Don't be silly and other rhyming books


Don’t Be Silly Mrs. Millie by Judy Cox

Mrs. Millie keeps making mistakes like telling her students to wear their bats and kittens. Not only is this book perfect for identifying rhyming words, but it also incorporates another wordplay that will help in the development of reading skills.

if i built a house by chris van dusen

If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen

I cannot count the number of times I have read this book and it will never be enough. The imagination of the wonderful Chris Van Dusen never ceases to amaze me. This book is the one that started out love of this amazing author. If you have not read this, what are you waiting for?

princess bess gets dressed by margery cuyler

Princess Bess Gets Dressed by Margery Cuyler

I am usually not the first person to jump at a princess book. But this one is different. Princess Bess takes her duties as a princess very seriously but, she has another side to her as well.

gruffalo

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

Year: 2005

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 3 – 7

This book is another classic in our house. Mouse proves that a little bit of brain is all you need when faced with a whole lot of muscle. We adore this rhyming wonder.

Not only is this book written in rhyme, but it is funny as well. It also has a very strong message about brains vs. brawn as well as bullying.

Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Animal Children’s Books / Best Books for 5-Year-Olds

Rhyme Crime 1

Author: Jon Burgerman

Illustrator: Jon Burgerman

Year: 2017

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 2 – 6

When a thief commits a crime, everything he steals becomes a rhyme. Yep. That’s the premise, and it gets uproariously funny.

The rhymes in this book create simple humor that are not only funny but will give you child a chance to guess what the word thief will do next.

Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds

The Wonky Donkey

Author: Craig Smith

Illustrator: Katz Cowley

Year: 2010

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 2+

This book starts with what seems like a simple story. I was walking down the road and I saw a donkey who only had three legs… This story progresses into a hysterical tale of a donkey that will leave you in tears from laughing so hard.

This book is hilarious! But more than that, this book is a great book to read with your child to practice their auditory memory skills. The description of the donkey repeats in its entirety with each new item added to give your child a chance to remember and repeat.

Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Animal Books

stretchy McHandsome

Author: Judy Schachner

Illustrator: Judy Schachner

Year: 2019

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 3 – 5

An adorable stray cat, who often gets into trouble, loves to explore town and get into mischief. When he meets a little girl with the same personality, he realizes her lap looks awfully inviting.

We love our butterscotch kitty and so this book was a no brainer. Stretchy McHandsome finds his perfect girl with humor, love and rhyme. Who could ask for anything more.

Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds

Iggy peck

Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Year: 2007

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 3 – 6

More info: The Questioneers #1

2nd grader, Iggy Peck wants to be an architect when he grows up. He constantly building things around the classroom, much to the dismay of his teacher. When his class gets stranded on a class trip, it’s up to Iggy to save the day!

I love Iggy Peck and all his friends. They are smart, funny, and independent thinkers. Not only does this book put a spotlight on being yourself but, the rhymes and vocabulary are nothing short of spectacular.

Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Rhyming Books

Books with Some Rhymes

Sheep in a jeep

Author: Nancy E. Shaw

Illustrator: Margot Apple

Year: 2016

Genre: Board Books

Age: 1 – 3

These sheep are driving and get stuck in the mud. The entire story does not rhyme but there are many rhyming words from the same word family. It is funny and perfect for a young reader. Everyone in my family can still recite every word of this one!

This is a perfect book to include in a list of children’s books with alliteration because there are a few examples in this hilarious and silly book.

This is a perfect book to include in a list of children’s books with alliteration because there are a few examples in this hilarious and silly book.

Find this book in: Alliteration Books / Books for a 1-year-old / Rhyming Books

The Giant Jumperee

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury

Year: 2017

Genre: Picture Books

Age: 2 – 4

All the animals are terrified of the giant jumperee who is hiding in rabbit’s hole.  When mama frog comes to help, will she be able to do what nobody else could and get the giant jumperee out of rabbit’s house?

My kids and I laugh out loud every time we read this book. I wanted to include books that had some rhymes without the whole book rhyming. This book has the least amount of rhymes in the book but I wanted to include it because of how adorable it is.

Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds

Shark in the Park

Author: Phil Roxbee Cox

Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright 

Year: 2006

Genre: Beginning Reader

Age: 5 – 6

More info: Part of the Usborne Phonics Readers

Fat cat, big pig and pup are all concerned that there is a shark in the pond at the park.

The Usborne Phonics Readers are some of my favorite books for developing phonological awareness.

Find this book in: Shark Books / Best Books for 5-year-olds / Rhyming Books

Rhyming dust bunnies

Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas

These dust bunnies love to rhyme and are quite excellent at it- except for Bob. He cannot quite seems to get it right. Your child will love to giggle as Bob tries to rhyme. It will also give them a chance to recognize the odd bunny out. sheep

Classic Rhyming Books

Madeline

Author: Ludwig Bemelmans

Illustrator: Ludwig Bemelmans

Year: 1939

Genre: Classic Picture Book

Age: 1 – 5

More info: Madeline #1, Caldecott Honor Book

Madeline is the smallest of the 12 little girls in 2 straight lines, but nothing frightens her. Join her as she wanders through Paris, which comes alive thanks to Bemelmans’ whimsical illustrations.

This book is one of my favorites of all time. There is something about the little girls in two straight lines that reminds me of my childhood. The rhythm and rhyme are perfect for any age.

Find this book in: Classic Books for Kids / Rhyming Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds

Each Peach Pear Plum and 12 other amazing baby books you've never heard of.

Author: Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Illustrator: Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Year: 1978

Genre: Board Books

Age: 0 – 3

This adorable eye spy book has wonderful pictures, featuring nursery rhymes and fairy tale characters. It’s a perfect classic children’s book for a 2-year-old.

The rhyming makes it memorable and easy to recite. This is my favorite book to gift to new parents.

Find this book in: Classic Kids Books / Best Board Books / Books for 1-year-olds / Food Books for Children / Rhyming Books

Green eggs and Ham

Author: Dr. Suess

Illustrator: Dr. Suess

Year: 1960

Genre: Classic Picture Book

Age: 2 – 6

At 60 years old, this book is a classic that has withstood the test of time. The rhyme, rhythm, and repetition in this book make it so easy to remember and predict what will happen.

The silliness and the story make it enjoyable for parents to read. Not only is this book hilarious, but it teaches a lesson about trying new food as well.

Find this book in: Books About Food for Kids / Classic Books for Kids / Rhyming Books

jamberry

Author: Bruce Degen

Illustrator: Bruce Degen

Year: 1982

Genre: Board Book

Age: 0 – 5

The rhythm of the story and the non-sensical rhymes make the book completely captivating. A boy and a bear head out on an adventure to pick berries in this delightful classic kids’ book. Marshmallow Cattails? Waffle and butter lily pads? Yes, please!

As a bonus, there is counting and alliteration in this picture book. No list of books for kids would be complete without this adorable read.

This was my favorite book to read to her kids and as soon as you look at the pictures and start reading it, you will understand why. I have a video of reading this to my son when he was 4 months old and his face lit up as I read it. It will forever be in my home.

Find this book in: Alliteration Books / Counting Books / Rhyming Books / Best Board Books / Kids Food Books / Best Books for a 1-year-old

chicken soup with rice

Author: Maurice Sendak

Illustrator: Maurice Sendak

Year: 1962

Genre: Classic Picture Book

Age: 2 – 5

Chicken Soup with Rice is one of 4 rhyming stories in this collection of Maurice Sendak’s work. Not only does this book rhyme but it teaches the months of the year as well.

The set of books by Maurice Sendak was turned into a play called Really Rosie. You can find the music and sing along.

Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds

fox in socks

Author: Dr. Suess

Illustrator: Dr. Suess

Year: 1965

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 1 – 6

This classic alliteration book is a twisty, turny, tongue-scrambling dream come true for word-lovers like me and a nightmare if you try and read this too quickly.

I absolutely love to read about the Tweetle beetle battles with their paddles in puddles. If you are looking for alliteration in books, this one is the clear champion.

Find this book in: Alliteration Books / Rhyming Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds

Poetry Books

Giraffe and a half and other books that help with phonological awareness and rhyming


Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein

Leave it to Shel Silverstein to take rhyming to the next level with this book. The repetition and rhyming is a tongue twister- rhyme extraordinaire! Even 50 years after publication, it is still relevant. Try making up your own rhymes to add to this story of a giraffe and a half

A pizza the size of the sun and other rhyming books

Pizza the Size of the Sun by Jack Prelutsky

My younger son never loved to listen to chapter books. But, he would listen to me read him poems for hours. We love this book of poetry and go back to it time and time again. Even now that he is in middle school, we will sometimes read a few poems together because they are so much fun.

where the sidewalk ends

Author: Shel Silverstein

Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Year: 1974

Genre: Poetry

Age: 4+

This book of poems, stories, and drawings is an iconic collection of Shel Silverstein. His humor is present in both the writings and illustrations.

Shel Silverstein is the one who started it all, in my opinion. He paved the road for other poets to write poetry for children to enjoy. The drawing and the humor make this book a classic.

Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds

im just no good at rhyming

Author: Chris Harris

Illustrator: Lane Smith

Year: 2017

Genre: Poetry

Age: 6 – 106

More info: Mischievous Nonsense #1

Chris Harris made his debut with this hysterical collection of poems reminiscent of Shel Silverstein or Dr. Seuss. Even better, Lane Smith added his charm to the illustrations creating a poetry book for the modern era.

Multiple children have requested this book for multiple years as the book to read in class when I am the guest reader. Not only do my kids love it, but the kids in the class ask my kids if I can bring this book to read. I absolutely love this book of poetry, and it is perfect for children from age 6 to 106.

Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds

More Rhyming Books by Chris Van Dusen

More Rhyming Books by Sandra Boynton

Did we include your favorite rhyming book?

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